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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Pedha,not one but two ~ Diwali Mithai!!

A week before Diwali one thing which always made its presence was gift boxes.One too many sweet boxes that by Diwali,the last thing we’d want to have is sweets:).Though majority of them would be assorted sweets,according to me there were three main sweets-stars rather,of Diwali and those were Motichoor laddoos,Doodh Pedhas and Rasgullas.At home,none of us liked pedhas and each and every time,the boxes of pedhas would make their way into our schools for distributing among friends along with other sweets.My friends thought we were crazy..:)

One main reason we disliked pedhas was because they were sweet-cloyingly sweet.Then why a post of pedha you may think,that too two types.Well,I do cook exclusively for the blog sometimes:).

I am totally hooked to Hetal & Anuja’s Show me the Curry.Saw this simple recipe for Instant Pedhas and thought of trying it out after all.Having all the ingredients in my kitchen was a bonus.I halved the recipe and got a dozen pedhas.For some unknown reason,the pedhas have come out sort of crumbly.I struggled to shape them.Me and Ajay shared a piece and have to admit that they taste awesome.I tried out Wheat Pedhas from Home Spices too for an almost guilt-free indulgence.

In a microwave safe dish, melt the butter.Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix well.Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, stirring very well after every minute.After the 3 minutes, mix well again and leave aside for the mixture to cool down enough to handle.Once the mixture has cooled down, grease your hands and make balls.Gently press the balls and flatten them to shape…round and flat.Decorate them with colored sugar, almonds, cashews, pistachios or raisins.Let the pedas set and cool down.For a pretty presentation, place them in baking cups and serve.

TipsPowder some cardamom seeds and add to the mixture for additional flavor.Roll out the peda mixture and cut with cookie cutter for some fun shapes.For best results, store in the refrigerator but serve at room temperature.

Wheat PedhaRecipe adapted from Home Spices[Makes approximately 30 pedhas]

In a thick bottomed kadai add ghee and roast the flour for 3-4 minutes on low flame or until it starts smelling good.Add the sugar and mix well.Now add the milk and continue stirring till it becomes one single mass and starts to leave the sides of the kadai.Add the cardamom powder and switch off the flame.Grease a thali/plate with ghee and pour this mix into it and let it cool.When it is cool enough to handle,make small balls of it and flatten it a bit.Roll them in powdered sugar and store in airtight containers.Or better still indulge and share it with your ♥loved♥ ones.